A Birmingham school dinner lady has been sacked after 20 years’ loyal service – for “liking” a burka joke picture on Facebook.

Gran Nita O’Dell was stunned to be branded a racist after sharing the photo, which showed a dog wearing a makeshift burqa.

The caption underneath read: “Guide dog for a Muslim woman. It’s called a Barka.”

Nita, who has seven grandchildren, was hauled before the head teacher at Billesley Primary School in Birmingham in June after a screen grab of her Facebook page was sent by someone anonymously to the school.

The 54-year-old was suspended on full pay, sacked in September for gross misconduct and last Thursday lost an appeal against the decision.